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A Cultural Odyssey in Cusco, the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

It's about that picture. You know the one. Every website and coffee-table book has it. History, archaeology, anthropology guides all have it. You'll have it too. Standing above Machu Picchu, wispy white clouds floating by, the jagged Andes in the background, you'll snap the picture. But being there will forever reset your view of humanity, society and history. How did they do this? When was this again? There are maybe ten places on Earth like this spot. And to think, it's only one moment in a week's worth of incredible moments.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Read the Straight Talk

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Hiking the Inca Trail

Permits to hike the Inca Trail are extremely limited. We recommend booking at least 4–6 months prior to departure in order to significantly increase your chance of securing a permit.

Also, due to national park regulations and difficulty securing permits, your Backroads leaders may not be able to accompany you along the Inca Trail. Rest assured, you will always be well supported by our local Peruvian guide, who we've worked with for years, and a staff of porters.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Hiking the Inca Trail

Permits to hike the Inca Trail are extremely limited. We recommend booking at least 4–6 months prior to departure in order to significantly increase your chance of securing a permit.

Also, due to national park regulations and difficulty securing permits, your Backroads leaders may not be able to accompany you along the Inca Trail. Rest assured, you will always be well supported by our local Peruvian guide, who we've worked with for years, and a staff of porters.

Itinerary

Days
1-2Hike to impressive Inca archaeological sites Visit Coricancha, a Spanish Colonial church built atop the ruins of an Inca temple Our local guide shares deep insight into Peru's culture and ancient civilizations as we journey through Q'enko, Temple of the Moon and Sacsayhuamán Discover the superb collection at Cusco's Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.

Days
3-4Experience Quechua culture in an off-the-beaten-path community where master weavers work Explore the ruins at Pisac, offering sweeping vistas of the terraced hillsides Pedal on paved and dirt roads through the Sacred Valley An expert guide unlocks the mysteries of Ollantaytambo's enigmatic ruins Visit the world-renowned ceramics studio of Pablo Seminario Enjoy a private dinner at the historical Hacienda Huayoccari.

Day
5Las Salineras, a stunningly beautiful honeycomb of tiered pools, where salt has been raked and gathered by families for generations Bike along dirt roads through the altiplano amid a panorama of snowy peaks and traditional villages In Moray, learn how the Inca ingeniously farmed using high-altitude terraces Learn the secrets of Peruvian cuisine during our exclusive cooking class with Sol y Luna's chef, a highlight of our trip.

Days
6-8Machu Picchu: the incredible "Lost City of the Incas" After taking the train to Aguas Calientes, hike to the Gate of the Sun for an unforgettable bird's-eye view of Machu Picchu (you may have the option to take the famed Inca Trail) Spend a second full day exploring the "Lost City" A local expert provides insight into the exquisite stonework and mysterious astrological designs of this sacred site Got an intrepid streak? Ascend Machu Picchu Mountain (with a special permit that Backroads secures on your behalf) for a memorable view of the ruins Stroll through the grounds of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with a local naturalist to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Guest Reviews About This Trip

I have been on several trips, and this was the best so far. I think it was the combination of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. When people call and say which trip should I go on with Backroads you should say, "They are all great, but have you thought of Peru!"

Stephen Rothbloom- Atlanta, GA

My sister and I just returned from the Peru multisport trip and I wanted to tell you what an extraordinary experience it was! It was truly the trip of a lifetime, due, in no small part, to the enormous attention to detail offered by your company. This was our third Backroads experience, topping off two other great trips in the past two years. For one couple in our group, it was their 23rd time with Backroads; for another fellow, it was his 14th trip. Almost everyone else had taken a Backroads vacation at least one other time. This speaks volumes about your company! Keep up the good work!

Linda L. Duttenhaver- Redondo Beach, CA

This was a fabulous trip. The memories that will stay with me are: Walking with the llamas to our lunch tent in a meadow where Peruvian musicians serenaded us while we ate amazing food! Biking on a dusty road in the altiplano alongside glacier-covered peaks and encountering a boy herding a flock of sheep with his soccer ball. Going to Machu Picchu before sunrise and watching the clouds swirl and alternately obscure and then reveal the ruins before finally lifting entirely for sunrise at Inti-Rami.

This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options

Day

Activity

EASYGOING

ACTIVE

AVID

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

1

Other

Cusco Guided Walk (3.5 Hours)

2

Walking/Hiking

3*

300

5*

300

6

300

3

Biking

8*

100

26

100

Biking

12*

100

Other

Pisac Ruins Guided Walk (1 Hour)

Other

Pisac Market Visit (1 Hour)

4

Walking/Hiking

2*

500

4

1400

Walking/Hiking

3

600

Other

Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Walk (1 Hour)

5

Biking

10*

100

20*

300

23

400

Walking/Hiking

2

0

Walking/Hiking

4

0

6

Walking/Hiking

2*

800

6*

1700

7*

2200

7

Walking/Hiking

2

2000

Other

Machu Picchu Guided Walk (3 Hours)

8

Other

Early-Morning Naturalist Walk (45 Minutes)

note:

On this trip, we'll be using titanium mountain bikes that are just right for the non-technical dirt road riding as well as the paved riding. (approximately 70% dirt and 30% paved).

Altitude makes the routes feel more challenging than the mileage suggests. Some routes may include substantial elevation loss.

* Includes a shuttle

Private Trips Options & Pricing

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.

If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.